Reversible, Moisture Absorbent Shoe Insert

ABSTRACT

A reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert comprising a firm, breathable middle layer bonded to a moisture absorbent top layer and a moisture absorbent bottom layer to form a multilayer laminate. As excessive precipitation from the user&#39;s foot is drawn to the absorbent top layer, the absorbent bottom layer naturally begins to wick the moisture through the breathable middle layer, which allows the moisture from the top layer to evaporate, keeping the user&#39;s feet drier and less odorous. The insert is reversible because the material of the bottom layer has equal moisture absorbency as the material of the top layer, which allows the invention to function in the same manner when inserted into either the left or right shoe. The insert is also machine washable, which promotes the reduction of bacterial build-up in the shoe over time, which in turn reduces shoe odor and helps prolong the life of the shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to articles for insertion into the shoe. More particularly, the present invention relates to a moisture absorbent shoe insert that is used to promote foot hygiene.

Shoe inserts of this generic type are commonly used for their cushioning properties. Additionally, these shoe inserts rely on the use of applied chemicals to reduce foot odor and minimize bacterial build up within the shoe. These common shoe inserts or insoles have a multilayer structure most often comprising a natural and/or synthetic top layer, which absorbs moisture, and a foam or gel bottom layer, which cushions the foot of the user. The disadvantage of these shoe inserts or insoles is their lack of breathability due to the high density synthetic cushioning material needed to retain the cushioning function while under the weight of a user. Because these inserts or insoles lack natural breathability, they often rely on the use of applied chemicals to absorb and neutralize foot odor, which can also irritate many types of sensitive skin, especially when the user wears the shoe inserts or insoles without socks. The effectiveness of the applied chemicals also diminishes greatly with subsequent washing, which quickly reduces the initial hygienic benefits. Furthermore, these inserts or insoles are not reversible, which limits the user from being able to conveniently wear the inserts in either the left or right shoe.

What is lacking and needed in the art of moisture absorbent shoe inserts is a reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert that has superior breathability and natural moisture wicking properties without the reliance on applied chemicals to improve foot hygiene, which can also be reused because it is machine washable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a shoe insert that has a reversibility function and a moisture absorbing function.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe insert that has superior breathability and natural moisture wicking properties by way of fiber and construction without the reliance on applied chemicals to improve foot hygiene, which is especially beneficial for users who do not wear socks.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe insert that is machine washable and therefore reusable.

Accordingly, the shoe insert comprises a middle layer, a top layer, and a bottom layer. The middle layer is bonded to an absorbent top layer and an absorbent bottom layer to form a multilayer laminate. The middle layer is made of a breathable and moisture-repellent material, such as non-woven interfacing. The top layer is made of a moisture absorbent textile material. Similarly, the bottom layer is made of a moisture absorbent textile material, which has equal moisture absorbency as the top layer.

Other details, features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments thereof presented in the following specifications, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a right foot insert, and is also a top view of a left foot insert, illustrating that the insert is reversible and can be used for either the left or right shoe by simply turning the insert over.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a right foot insert, and is also a bottom view of a left foot insert, illustrating that the insert is reversible and can be used for either the right or left shoe by simply turning the insert over.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the middle layer 20 separated from the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22.

FIG. 4 is a traverse section (cross-sectional) view of the middle layer 20 permanently affixed by a bonding method to the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment to be preferred of the reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of the present invention is here and in figures disclosed. Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, a reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert 10 comprises a middle layer 20, a top layer 21, and a bottom layer 22. The shoe insert is made by bonding both sides of the middle layer 20 to the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22. The layers are integrally bonded or otherwise permanently affixed along their entire joining surface using adhesives applied with pressurized heat. The middle layer 20 may also be flame laminated where it essentially melts to form a surface which, in turn, adhesively bonds to the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22.

The middle layer 20 is made of a firm, breathable, and moisture-repellent material. A suitable material can be non-woven interfacing. This middle layer 20 material gives structure to the insert, so that it does not fold or curl while inside the shoe. The top layer 21 is made of a moisture absorbent textile material that is also breathable. Suitable moisture absorbent textile materials for the top layer include woven fabrics, knit fabrics, or non-woven fabrics. Similarly, the bottom layer 22 is made of a moisture absorbent textile material that is also breathable. Suitable moisture absorbent textile materials for the bottom layer include woven fabrics, knit fabrics, or non-woven fabrics.

By virtue of the design, the insert uses capillary action to fulfill a double wicking effect. The first wicking effect takes place because the material of the top layer 21 is moisture absorbent by way of structure and fiber, which naturally draws excessive perspiration from the user's foot. The second wicking effect takes place because the moisture absorbent nature of the bottom layer 22, which has equal moisture absorbency as the top layer 21, draws the moisture from the top layer 21 across the breathable middle layer 20. This breathable middle layer 20 effectively creates an air passage between the top layer 21 and bottom layer 22, allowing moisture to evaporate more efficiently, therefore reducing moisture build up within the insert while keeping the user's feet drier and less odorous.

The insert of the current invention is reversible because the material of the bottom layer 22 has equal moisture absorbency as the material of the top layer 21, which allows the invention to function in the same manner when inserted into either the left or right shoe. Said reversibility implies that the insert of the left shoe, once turned over, becomes the insert of the right shoe and vice versa. Advantageously, said reversibility allows the user to interchange a left shoe insert with a right shoe insert part way through a usage cycle, allowing the user the benefit of feeling the fresh contact of a lesser-used surface, while extending the time between having to clean each insert.

Because the layers of the current invention are permanently affixed along their entire joining surface, the user can easily trim all edges of the insert with an instrument used for cutting, such as scissors, which allows the user to achieve a better fit within the shoe, while increasing the overall comfort and performance of the insert.

The insert disclosed herein can be worn with a variety of footwear types, specifically without the use of socks. When dirty, the insert of the current invention can be machine washed and dried, or cleaned with soap and water, and air dried.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment but various modifications thereof may be made. Furthermore, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert comprising: a middle layer, a top layer, and a bottom layer; said middle layer bonded to said top layer and said bottom layer to form a multilayer laminate; said top layer made of a moisture absorbent textile material; said bottom layer made of a moisture absorbent textile material; said middle layer made of a firm, breathable, and moisture repellent-material, aiding in the evaporation of moisture from said top layer to said bottom layer.
 2. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said firm, breathable, and moisture repellent material is non-woven interfacing.
 3. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said top layer textile material and said bottom layer textile material are selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric or fabric material.
 4. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said top layer textile material and said bottom layer textile material are selected from the group consisting of a knit fabric or fabric material.
 5. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said top layer textile material and said bottom layer textile material are selected from the group consisting of a non-woven fabric or fabric material.
 6. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said middle layer is permanently affixed to said top layer and said bottom layer with said bonding taking place from the group of adhesives applied with pressurized heat.
 7. The reversible, moisture absorbent shoe insert of claim 1, wherein said middle layer is permanently affixed to said top layer and said bottom layer with said bonding taking place from the group of flame lamination. 